Question

At the beginning of this lesson, there was a question about two acids. Vinegar, which contains acetic acid, is used in foods and has few safety concerns. Hydrochloric acid is used in chemistry labs and requires the use of safety goggles and gloves. Why do the safety concerns for these two acids differ?

Answer 1

Vinegar or acetic acid is rather weak and is just about only good for making pickles and model volcanoes while HCl or hydrochloric acid is very strong and is what digests and beaks down food in your stomach and is the reason your throat burn when you vomit.

Answer 2

Explanation:

Acetic acid $(CH_{3}COOH)$ is a weak acid therefore, when dissolved in a liquid it slightly dissociates into its ions. That is, there will be very less number of hydrogen ions given by acetic acid upon dissociation.

Therefore, few safety concerns are required while handling or using acetic acid.

Whereas hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid and when dissolved in a liquid it completely dissociates into its ions. That is, there will be more number of hydrogen ions given by HCl upon dissociation.

Hence, these hydrogen ions will readily reaction with other ions or materials hence, it will be dangerous in nature.

Thus, more safety concerns are required while handling hydrochloric acid like safety googles and gloves should be worn before using it.